PharmaGABA, a natural form of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid), stimulates alpha waves in the brain, which are believed to cause improved mental focus, relaxation, and stress reduction. Known as "nature's calming neurotransmitter," an adequate amount of GABA in the nervous system is necessary to cope with stress. PharmaGABA is a natural form of GABA that is produced by a Lactobacillus organism.
It is essential that we all have balanced and optimal amounts of the neurotransmitters. Epinephrine and Serotonin are crucial.
We often recommend L-Tyrosine to make more epinephrine. It works wonders for people that have the type of depression that is accompanied by low energy, low drive of all types (including low libido), and the desire to be left alone.
On the other hand, anxious depression with nervous energy responds better to L-Tryptophan or 5HTP which convert to both serotonin and melatonin.
Another critical neurotransmitter is GABA. GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Low GABA levels can lead to insomnia, depression and even epilepsy. GABA can promote relaxation without drowsiness or fatigue (which are common side effects with other products).
It can also decrease salivary cortisol levels. For those who have had their adrenal glands checked with Saliva testing.
Thornes' GABA, unlike most on the market comes from lactobacillus hilgardii (traditionally used in kimchi preparation). This form of GABA has been shown to out perform the synthetic varieties.
A woman who is pregnant, or might become pregnant, should not take PharmaGABA-PRO.
IMPORTANT-Consult your doctor before replacing any prescription medication or adding this product if you are already taking any antidepressants.
How do you know if your blood-brain barrier is leaky? A simple and easy way to find out is to do Blood-Brain Barrier Challenge. To do this, simply take 1000 mg of straight GABA (not GABA precursors such as theanine).
GABA is a neurotransmitter synthesized in the brain and is responsible for calming or inhibiting over activity. Although some companies sell GABA supplements, the reality is the GABA molecule is too large to pass through an intact blood-brain barrier. The fact that this supplement sells so well is a testament to the integrity of the average American’s blood-brain barrier.
So, if several hours after taking 1000 mg of GABA, you feel calm, relaxed or sleepy, you know that GABA, a molecule too large to pass through the blood-brain barrier, has nevertheless made it into your brain and is performing its calming duties. This means your blood-brain barrier has become compromised and your brain is highly susceptible to the immune rampages I discussed above.
Some people, instead of feeling relaxed, will find GABA makes them feel more anxious or jittery. There are other reasons for this that will be discussed in my next book, however any reaction at all indicates a leaky brain barrier.
If you felt no change after taking GABA, that is a good sign that your blood-brain barrier is intact and functioning well. (For accurate results, be sure to take this test during the day and not at bedtime.)
What to do about a leaky brain barrier Addressing the areas that helped cause a permeable blood-brain barrier is the best place to start if you want to restore integrity. First make sure your diet is strictly void of gluten. Then do an Elimination/Provocation diet, as explained in my book, to determine whether other foods, such as dairy or eggs, are also provoking the immune system.
Continue on with the other strategies explained in the book(Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal?): Balancing blood sugar, addressing gut health and gut infections, and supporting adrenal health so your adrenal hormones are neither too high or too low. All of these will help quench inflammation, a notorious saboteur of brain health. Apex has created specifically for blood-brain barrier integrity-Neuro-PTX™, brain inflammation-NeuroFlam™ and increased blood flow to the brain -NeurO2
Other strategies include enhancing the liver’s methylation pathway (Chapter Eight of the thyroid book, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal? and supplementing with alpha-lipoic acid.